By Spy Uganda
Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi today received a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser TX valued at Shs180 million in recognition of his service to Tooro Kingdom and his leadership during the kingdom’s recent succession process.
The vehicle was handed over to the head of the Babiito royal clan at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal on Saturday, three days before the coronation of the newly selected Omukama, Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
The gesture, organised by Batooro and friends of Tooro in Uganda and the diaspora, was met with applause and chants of “Musuuga Juu” from supporters gathered at the palace.
Former National Forestry Authority Executive Director and former Kabarole District Chairperson Michael Mugisa led the delegation that presented the vehicle.
Mugisa said the initiative began shortly after the burial of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, when several Batooro and well-wishers pledged to support Kamurasi in his service to the kingdom.
He said part of the funds raised was used to purchase the vehicle to ease the Musuuga’s movements, while fundraising would continue towards establishing a Musuuga Foundation.
Mugisa clarified that the Land Cruiser is a personal gift to Kamurasi and does not belong to Tooro Kingdom or the Office of the Musuuga.
Fr. Isiah Mayombo, chairman of the central organising committee for the coronation, praised Kamurasi for his leadership during a difficult period for the kingdom.
“We are happy for leading us to where we are now, and it is because of your leadership,” Fr. Mayombo said.
The handover became emotional when Kamurasi reflected on a commitment he made to his late brother, Omukama Kaboyo Patrick Matthew Koburongo, more than three decades ago.
Kamurasi recalled that shortly before King Kaboyo’s death in 1995, he was entrusted with protecting the heritage and “reserve glory” of Tooro, including the sacred royal drum, Butwarane.
“When I am happy, I cry. Above all, I thank God. I have stood as a man to keep the word of my late brother, King Kaboyo Olimi,” Kamurasi said.
He added: “My brother, I have not let you down.”
Butwarane is regarded in Tooro tradition as an important symbol of royal authority and continuity. Kamurasi urged Batooro, particularly younger generations, to protect the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
“As we live, we should preserve the culture of Tooro. We must keep the royal drum Butwarane alive and not do anything contrary to its protection,” he said.
Kamurasi also recalled his personal connection to the late King Oyo, saying he had known the former monarch from birth until his death on August 27.
He said Oyo was born while his father, the late King Kaboyo, was serving as Uganda’s ambassador to Cuba, and that Kaboyo asked him to check on the newborn at hospital.
“When Oyo was born, I was called by my brother Kaboyo, who was an ambassador in Cuba, to go and check him in the hospital. I went and checked on him and gave him a report that the child was in good health,” he recalled.
Kamurasi has remained at the centre of Tooro’s succession process after chairing the 21-member Babiito clan committee that selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kiijanangoma as successor to King Oyo.
The prince was later unveiled as the designated successor and adopted the regnal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
Although the succession process has faced objections from some members of the late king’s immediate family, Kamurasi has maintained that the Babiito clan acted within its traditional mandate and that he was not aware of a written will or surviving son when the committee made its decision.
His supporters have continued to portray him as a custodian of Tooro traditions who remained firm during the transition and helped guide the kingdom towards the selection of a new monarch.
The ceremony ended with Kamurasi taking the driver’s seat of his new Land Cruiser and starting the engine to loud cheers from supporters.
The gesture came as Tooro prepares for the September 29 coronation of Nyabongo I at Karuziika Palace.
